This article is not about Albania per se, rather about my work as an incoming agency. To begin with, I think it might be useful to review what an incoming agency is, and what the notable disparities are with a travel agency.

Coming from a tourism background, I was only able to tell the difference between these two entities during my graduate studies.

First of all, a traditional travel agency doesn't necessarily organize its own trips. This is where the incoming agency comes in. This agency is based in the country in question. The receptive agency is often unknown to the customer, working in the shadow of the travel agency. They can choose to sell directly on their website to individual customers, or offer their services to travel agencies or tour operators to cater for groups, individuals, etc.

I'd now like to list a few advantages:

1. EXPERTISE:

The local agent knows the country like the back of his hand, but also the suppliers, i.e. all the people who will have a direct or indirect impact on your trip (restaurants, activities, accommodation, etc.). The receptive knows them all, and knows exactly who or what to choose to best meet your needs and expectations. What's more, he has contacts with some of the lesser-known service providers who can help you enjoy some unusual experiences.

2. CUSTOMIZED:

Calling on a local tour operator means being able to offer yourself a made-to-measure trip. You've spotted an interesting tour, but you don't want to visit a particular town? Would you like to reverse D1 with D5? Would you like to stay an extra 3 days? Everything is flexible and can be customized according to your wishes.

3. ASSISTANCE:

The agency is on the spot, for your safety. The receptive ensures you 24-hour assistance in the event of minor or major problems. In many cases, a SIM card or telephone is provided at the start of the trip to enable you to contact the agency's staff.

4. BUDGET:

Opting for an incoming agency rather than a travel agency means saving money. Instead of going through two service providers, you only have to deal with one. In short, if you know where you want to go, if you want to follow an itinerary but don't want a program timed to the second, choosing an incoming agency will ensure that your trip reflects your image, while saving you money at the same time. What's more, you can request a specific accommodation booking. For example, if you have a special theme or want to save as much as possible on accommodation, you can submit the idea to the travel designer.

5. FLIGHT:

You choose your own flights. In my 1st job with a travel agency, I found that many customers were disappointed by the schedule or the airline we selected for group trips. However, air travel can't be improvised, and with the volume of business we handled and the budgets we had, this was a tricky subject with no real solution. As far as incoming agencies are concerned, they take care of you from the moment you land at the airport of the country in question, allowing you to choose the flights that suit you best without having to suffer imposed constraints. What's more, it's often possible to ask the agency for advice.

6. FREEDOM:

The incoming agency is there to suggest an itinerary, activities and hotels, all of which are flexible, but above all, you have the freedom to go at your own pace, as the days are not set in stone. Meals are on your own, and activities are suggested as a guide, and may or may not be included, depending on your preferences. So you're not bound by a rigid timetable.

In short, if you already know where your next vacation is going to be, and you'd like to follow an exact itinerary without having a program planned down to the second, then choose an incoming agency. The same applies if you're an independent traveler who likes to take part (or not) in the planning of your trip. An incoming agency also ensures quality services, while allowing you to add your own touch if you wish. In short, it's a way of ensuring that your trip reflects your image, while making a few savings at the same time.

In short, an incoming agency can often prove to be a very good alternative to the classic travel agency. Leave for Albania now!